Forever Strong (2008)

Overrated and overhyped

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

WHAT'S FOREVER STRONG ABOUT? After getting arrested, a troubled teen rugby star joins a new team and learns integrity, humility, and unity from his inspiring coach.IS IT ANY GOOD? (GRADE: B+) Solid based-on-a-true-story film by director Ryan Little (Saints and Soldiers) Capturing the essence of the values-based coaching style of legendary rugby coach Larry Gelwix, Forever Strong tells the story of a down-and-out teen who finds redemption and growth playing rugby for Gelwix. Though the film displays some sports movie clichés, it transcends them through the strength of its characters, writing, acting, and film-making.IS IT OKAY FOR YOUR KIDS? There are some mild profanities and the presence of raised middle fingers, as well as teen drinking and partying (portrayed as detrimental), a car accident, and rough rugby action.ANY WORTHWHILE MESSAGES? To meet their full potential, young men (and all people) should be strong and active, but more importantly courageous, true, faithful, and honest in all things. You can change, make amends for your mistakes, and be a better person. Honesty is the highest victory.

Rick Penning (Sean Faris) is a arrogant rugby star player for his demanding father-coach (Neal McDonough). Lars (Penn Badgley) is his best friend. He gets into a drunken accident. It's his 2nd DUI and his girlfriend is seriously hurt. He is sent to juvenile detention until he's 18 when he would continue his sentence in jail or paroled. Marcus Tate (Sean Astin) runs the facility. Rick is entitled, rebellious, bitter, isolated and volatile. His father is avoiding him. He teaches the other kids rugby. Marcus convinces him to join the Highland Rugby Team. Coach Larry Gelwix (Gary Cole) struggles to teach him to be a man.This is trying to be an inspirational sports redemption movie. I have never liked Sean Faris who always gives off a narcissistic entitled vibe. I figure he would be great at playing the villain but he keeps playing the misunderstood charmer. He is so great at being unlikeable that his character really annoyed the hell out of me. He does have a redemption story but even that is undermined. He gets a new leading lady in Arielle Kebbel and leaves the injured girl behind. That girl ends up saving his bacon in an important moment. Talking about that moment. What happened to the drug charges? If Rick isn't charged, wouldn't Lars get charged? Did the cops just dropped the case? WTF. Penn Badgley is also good at being a douche. Actually he would have been a much better lead in this movie because he has another gear playing sensitive.

Look I've played AFootball,Rugby,Soccer and I know Rugby has a very distinct culture unlike any other sport. If they wanted to make a movie about culture they should have, and helped people understand the culture in Rugby better. All they wanted was a feel good American film, Rugby was the side show. It is truly unfortunate because they could of helped Americans understand an unAmerican sport at the present time. Last time Rugby was in the Olympics 15's was 1924 won by the US. We have had this sport in our culture and should respect it more then how it was portrayed in the film. (IE:Haka,Rules of the sport) Good side maybe someone will have to truly see Rugby for themselves.

The acting is solid across the board, but it feels a bit hacked together, and the dialogue is very cheesy at times."If I can't see my boys be the champions they are" is a line repeated twice in the movie, the first time to good effect, the second...sounded as out of place a Harry Potter in a war movie. There are many examples of this out of place dialogue.The main character was the best actor, and was convincing as a rugby player. The supporting cast was also very believable as a rugby team. Maybe some of the skepticism I had towards the film was the fact that it just didn't 'feel' as if it had any gravity throughout. It all felt like just an exercise in "let's do an inspiring sports movie and see what happens.Still, the 2 other adults I saw this with enjoyed the movie overall, and for that, I rated it a '6'.